With the holiday season already in full swing and so much to enjoy, this winter may yet turn out to be one you never forget, once you take the time to explore some of the festive and family-friendly fun to be had throughout Houston. There are any number of fantastic attractions available right now – with many continuing into the first two weeks of January – to ensure all families get the chance to explore, laugh, and come together with the spirit of giving. For some, this is the only time of the year during which they get to see special family members, and this is your opportunity to gather everyone together for a month of joy and bonding.
Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is hosting its annual light exhibit, with more than two million lights throughout the park. As you walk around the area learning about animals and their many traits and lives, you can sip on freshly made hot chocolate and watch the multicolored light decorations bring a unique and unforgettable appeal to the entire zoo. There are additional attractions to be found inside the zoo for those looking for just a bit more fun, including a life-sized snow globe, a train display, and even a show put on by carolers between 7pm and 8pm each night.
Enjoy a Ballet Classic
The Houston Ballet will host guests who wish to enjoy the classical beauty of The Nutcracker at Smart Financial Center (SFC) and the Hobby Center this year. The show begin its run at SFC on Sunday, December 10 ends December 23. The show at the Hobby Center runs from Saturday, December 30 to January 6. You will want to see this timeless and always-spectacular ballet with your friends and family, and this is one experience you certainly do not want to miss. If you have yet to enjoy a ballet performance, where else to start but at one of the most beloved and time-honored performances in the world?
Try Something Unique with a Holiday Cabaret
On Sunday, December 17, bring your friends and family to enjoy the PMT Pop Up: Holiday Cabaret at the Continental Club in Mid-Main. This fantastic performance is put on by Houston’s fringe art community and is designed to offer holiday classics with all the Christmas elements you love, with a unique twist. Backed by the Pitch Me This Band, this pop-up showcase from Pitch Me This Productions is unlike anything you may predict, but it is also one of the best options for holiday fun for the whole group.
Get Some Exercise
Who says Christmas fun with friends and family has to include putting on “holiday pounds”? This year’s Santa Hustle 5k and half marathon will be held in Galveston on Sunday, December 17, and all participants are encouraged to don the clothes of Santa Claus and enjoy a run through the city, with many treats and great holiday music to enjoy along the way. Even if you simply come to watch the participants, you can enjoy a wonderful after-party set up for the runners and their families.
Attend an Old Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting
Many cities and small towns enjoy a tree lighting each year at their town square, but few see quite as many show up and join in on the fun as the annual lighting at Sugar Land Town Square. On December 7, everyone is encouraged to arrive and take part in the fun as more than 150 vendors offer live music, great food, a variety of shopping, and more. Little ones even have the chance to meet some friendly animals at the petting zoo.
Enjoy the Festival of Lights
Starting now and continuing through Sunday, January 7, you get to see more than one million lights set up in spectacular display at Moody Gardens, with animations and sound enhancements included for a unique experience. There is also a skating rink available for those brave enough to take to the ice. Skating is always a great opportunity for family, friends, and couples to spend time together in a way that is both fun and exciting. After all, it’s not everyday you get to strap on a pair of ice skates, even if you do take a tumble or two along the way.
Consider Hired Transportation
The best way to see all of these spectacular attractions and events with a large group is to hire a professional like AFC for your transportation needs. Not only will the right transportation company know how to help you get the vehicle and professional driving support you need, but they will have a variety of vehicles available to suit any size of group. Sightseeing tours, group excursions, and more are perfectly within your budget and will likely help you to save much more than you would driving your own vehicles, especially if you plan to enjoy a glass or two of fresh eggnog along the way.
